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Definition of Delicate
1. Adjective. Exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury. "The delicate wing of a butterfly"
Similar to: Dainty, Exquisite, Ethereal, Gossamer, Fragile, Light-handed, Overdelicate, Pastel, Tender
Also: Breakable, Frail, Weak
Antonyms: Rugged
2. Adjective. Marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique. "A surgeon's delicate touch"
3. Adjective. Easily broken or damaged or destroyed. "A frail craft"
4. Adjective. Easily hurt. "A baby's delicate skin"
5. Adjective. Developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety. "The satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense"
6. Adjective. Difficult to handle; requiring great tact. "A touchy subject"
7. Adjective. Of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely. "Almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments"
Definition of Delicate
1. a. Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.
2. n. A choice dainty; a delicacy.
Definition of Delicate
1. Adjective. Easily damaged or requiring careful handling. ¹
2. Adjective. Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines. ¹
3. Adjective. Intended for use with fragile items. ¹
4. Adjective. Of weak health, easily sick. ¹
5. Adjective. (informal) Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol. ¹
6. Adjective. ¹
7. Noun. A delicate item of clothing, especially underwear or lingerie. ¹
8. Noun. (obsolete) A choice dainty; a delicacy. ¹
9. Noun. (obsolete) A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Delicate
1. a delicacy [n -S] - See also: delicacy
Medical Definition of Delicate
1. 1. Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring. "Dives, for his delicate life, to the devil went." (Piers Plowman) "Haarlem is a very delicate town." (Evelyn) 2. Pleasing to the senses; refinedly; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor. 3. Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature." 4. Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton. 5. Slight or smooth; light and yielding; said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk. 6. Soft and fair; said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion. 7. Light, or softly tinted; said of a colour; as; as, a delicate blue. 8. Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness. 9. Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health. "A delicate and tender prince." (Shak) 10. Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question. "There are some things too delicate and too sacred to be handled rudely without injury to truth." (F. W. Robertson) 11. Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious. 12. Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music. 13. Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer. Origin: L. Delicatus pleasing the senses, voluptuous, soft and tender; akin to deliciae delight: cf. F. Delicat. See Delight. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Delicate
Literary usage of Delicate
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Study of Children and Their School Training by Francis Warner (1897)
"Children with developmental defects often present also abnormal nerve-signs, and
are delicate and dull. Not only are these developmental cases frequently ..."
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